INTRODUCTION TO GROTSTEIN
By David James Fisher, Ph.D.
James S. Grotstein, M.D. died this year in Los Angeles at the age of 89. He was a leading psychoanalytic figure for decades, celebrated for his intellectual verve, wit, love of puns, theoretical reach, personal kindness toward his students, and generosity toward his colleagues. He was most recognized for his transmission and explication of the works of Klein and Bion. Although I was not in his intimate circle, we had friendly relations for thirty five years. When I applied for analytic training at the Los Angeles Psychoanalytic Society and Institute, he was a member of the Admissions Committee. As a candidate, I attended his seminar on primitive mental states, focusing on the psychoanalytic treatment of borderline and psychotic patients. After graduation, I had several years of personal supervision with him, wanting to learn the cutting edge Kleinian/Bionian techniques he practiced.
After the publication in 2000 of Who is the Dreamer Who Dreams the Dream?, I received a copy of the book in the mail with a personal inscription: “To Jimmy, With my eternal gratitude for your encouragement, Jim.” When the Los Angeles Psychoanalytic Institute and Society organized a Meet the Author evening to honor the publication of the book, he requested that I be the discussant. What follows is the unpublished discussion from that event, “Commentary on Grotstein’s Dream Book..” It can now serve as a memorial to Jim Grotstein.
Click Here to Read: “Commentary on James Grotstein’s Dream Book”:Review of Who is the Dreamer Who Dreams the Dream? A Study of Psychic Presences By James S. Grotstein, Reviewed by David James Fisher, Ph.D.